PERFORMANCE NEWS
"Carly Prentis Jones had a busy year, emerging as another candidate for bigger things. She delivered distinctive characterizations in five productions: the wily witch in “The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls” and a shell-shocked apocalypse survivor in “Mr. Burns” (both at Manbites Dog); Celie’s sister Nettie in “The Color Purple” (Justice Theater Project); another Nettie, singing a heart-felt “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in “Carousel” (Theatre Raleigh); and a spunky Dorothy in “The Wiz” (Burning Coal.)" Read the full article here.
RECENT PERFORMANCES:
ROCK OF AGES
When: September 7-10, 2017
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary NC
Director: Michael Berry
Details: It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strips last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock and roll fairy-tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri, and the gang save the strip–and themselves–before it’s too late? Only the music of hit bands Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more hold the answer.
Carly enjoyed playing the fierce strip-club owner, Justice Charlier
GREASE
When: February 9-14, 2016
Location: North Carolina Theatre, Raleigh NC
Director: Hunter Foster
Details: Get out your leather jackets, pull on your bobby socks and take a trip to the
fabulous fifties with the original rock ‘n roll high school musical, GREASE! Join the Rydell High School class of 1959 including Danny, Sandy and the rest of the gang as they sing
their way through such classic hits as "Summer Nights", "Greased Lightnin'" and many more favorites!
The Wiz
When: December 3-20, 2015
Location: Burning Coal Theatre Co., Raleigh NC
Details: Burning Coal Theatre presented one of the most beloved of American musicals. This soulful classic follows Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow as they ease on down the road to find what is waiting for them over the rainbow, behind the curtain, and maybe even in their own backyard.
Carly had the pleasure to play Dorothy. Read the N&O review: "Carly Prentis Jones' Dorothy is spunky and wide-eyed, her strong voice easily carrying her several ballads" or read the CVNC review here: "Carly Prentis Jones was a bubbly and endearing Dorothy "
Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play by Anne Washburn
Directed by Jeff Storer
NC Premiere: Oct 22 – Nov 7, 2015
In the aftermath of a civilization-ending apocalypse, survivors huddled around a campfire entertain each other by remembering and re-telling a classic episode of The Simpsons. Over the following decades, that story transforms into something rich and strange – and yet strangely familiar…
Carly played Colleen and Marge. See what the News & Observer had to say in their review here!
Carousel, A Concert with the Barton
College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra
When: August 27 – August 30 (Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 3pm)
Location: Theatre Raleigh, Fletcher Opera Theater
The beloved Rogers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel. Carly was thrilled to be singing the role of Nettie. Enjoy the lush sounds of a full orchestra and a semi-staged production of this lovely golden-aged classic. The News & Observer said, "Carly Prentis Jones plays Nettie, the seaside restaurant owner, with more showbiz pizazz than is generally seen, and her heartfelt singing of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a production highlight."
The Color Purple - The Musical
When: June 12-28, 2015
Location: Justice Theatre Project, Raleigh NC
Details: Based on the book by Alice Walker, script by Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. It was nominated for eleven 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. Carly enjoyed performing the role of Nettie in this production.
REVIEWS:
News and Observer says about Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls: "As the witch-like aunt, Carly Prentis Jones delightfully voices sweet seductions and believably physicalizes the little-old-lady aspects..." and "The unique script and its first-rate execution make the production strongly recommended." Read Full Review Here.
Triangle Arts and Entertainment says about Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls: "Carly Prentis Jones, who plays Baba Yaga/Yaroslava, the aunt/wicked witch who has a human-baking oven in the middle of her Russian apartment, is delightfully horrendous. Jones, normally a beautiful woman, literally transforms for this role, becoming a bulgy-eyed, cruel-mouthed witch who wants Annie to jump into her human-cooking stove." Read Full Review Here
The News & Observer's review of Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern's production of Our Town: Jade Arnold, Jennifer Blocker and Carly Prentis Jones provide nicely differentiated cameos and make lively work of sharing the role of the Narrator/Stage Manager.
The Five Points Star Review of Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern's production of Our Town: Carly Prentis Jones plays young Rebecca Gibbs...with such joyous wonder I could hardly stay in my seat. Jones is also a knock-out in her turns as Stage Manager, and when she sings, solo, “Balm in Gilead” near the play’s conclusion…it’s exquisite.
Classical Voice of North Carolina's review of The Justice Theater Project's Ragtime the Musical: Equal to the standard set by her true love, Coalhouse Walker, Jones portrays Sarah as good, kind, and unfamiliar with the evil that awaits them. All of these cast members portray rich characters and offer strong, vibrant musical voices.
Classical Voice of North Carolina's review of Burning Coal Theatre Company’s Wait ‘Til You See This series production of Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue: "Carly Prentis Jones, who plays Ginny, shines brightly during this production. Ginny is a passionate lover and wife, a loving nurse, and a supportive and sympathetic mother. She is the most omniscient of the characters, serving in many different roles that she is able to vary deftly."
BOOM Magazine's review of The Justice Theater Project's production of The Black Nativity by Langston Hughes: "The lights drop and then the clear ringing voice of Carly Prentis Jones inspires us with its joy, and the lyrics of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
Classical Voice of North Carolina's review of Burning Coal Theatre Company and SheCow Production's For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf: "Carly Prentis Jones is earthy and ethereal at once as the Lady in Green; in her embodiment of the sensual Sechita in “one” she becomes something akin to a moving cubist painting."
Our Town Photo: Courtesy of Alex Mannes Photography